French Progressive metal band Hacride have parted ways with original drummer Olivier Laffond and are welcoming new member Mike Roponus (Om Mani, live Demians) into their ranks.

Hacride vocalist Samuel Bourreau explains: "We've been using Mike 's services over the past few months because of Olivier's wife's pregnancy. It was originally supposed to be a temporary situation but he decided to quit the band to focus on his new family responsabilities which we perfectly understand. It feels a bit weird for us because we have had the same stable line-up since the band's birth. On top of being a great friend Mike has proved to be one of the best drummer known to us. We are glad to have him as a full member of Hacride."

Mike Roponus was introduced last Sunday as the new official Hacride drummer in Toulouse (France). Watch video footage here.